Factor V Leiden is an inherited condition with a risk of thrombosis. Heterozygous If you have one parent with the mutation and you have inherited factor V Leiden from them, your risk of a blood clot is 5 to 7 times higher than normal. Homozygous If both parents have Factor V Leiden and you have inherited two copies of the mutation, your risk of a blood clot is 40 … [Read more...]
Factor V Leiden and the Pill
The oral contraceptive was first introduced in the US in 1960. Within two years, over a million women in the US were taking the “pill” as a safe, effective form of contraception. The use snowballed, and hundreds of millions of women now use oral contraceptives. Some regard it as the most socially significant advance in modern medicine as it gave women reproductive … [Read more...]
Factor V Leiden – What does it mean for me?
What is my risk of a clot? In the general population, the risk of having a blood clot (either a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus) is quoted at 1 in 2000 people each year. However, the risk is highly dependent on your age. If you are in your twenties the risk is about 1 in 10,000 and if you are over 70 years it is as high as 1 in 200. If you have the factor V Leiden … [Read more...]
How long should I stay on anticoagulants – Coronation Concert Edition
How long you need anticoagulants depends on the balance of risks between having a blood clot and bleeding; these will differ for each individual. Your specialist will decide the length of time anticoagulants are needed in your particular case. This is just a guide. To help you remember, I have added song titles from the performers at the Coronation Concert. I have even … [Read more...]
I need surgery – on warfarin for venous thrombosis
Many of you have had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) or know somebody who has been affected by these conditions. Some of you will have had a short course of treatment, but if you have had more than one clot, you will likely stay on long-term treatment. Currently, most people with a DVT or PE are treated with newer drugs such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban or … [Read more...]
Pulmonary Embolism recovery looks like this.
"I used to go running. Will I ever be able to again?" and "Will I ever get back to normal?" are just two of the questions Paul's been asked by people who've had a pulmonary embolism. Recovery can be very variable and may take a long time, but for inspiration, look to Serena Williams! This #1 ranked female tennis player had a pulmonary embolism back in March 2011. She had … [Read more...]
The twelfth of never? How long do I need anticoagulants?
How long you need anticoagulants depends on the balance of risks between having a blood clot and bleeding and these will be different for each individual. Your specialist will decide the length of time anticoagulants are needed in your particular case. This is just a guide. But it includes song titles. And the links to the songs on YouTube. We’re kind that … [Read more...]
Longer flights; more clots – the evidence
Paul’s last post had recommendations for travel after having a clot. For those of you who want to know more of the science behind it, and are willing to decipher a bit of medical jargon, we are bringing you a review of a medical paper which showed a link between distance flown and likelihood of having a pulmonary embolus. Where’s the study from? It’s a … [Read more...]
